Concerto for Orchestra - Viktor Kalabis

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Ladislav Slovák.

I - Allegro: 0:00
II - Adagio: 6:01
III - Allegro assai: 12:59
IV - Allegro vivo: 20:30

Kalabis' Concerto for Orchestra was composed between June 14 and October 23 of 1966, being commissioned by conductor Karel Ančerl for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. It was premiered on May 15 of 1967, performed by said orchestra and conductor. Ančerl asked for a virtuosistic work but, as Kalabis commented, “smiling through tears”, it is full of luminous virtuosity and infinitely more optimistic than the symphonic variations.

The first movement begins with a massive orchestral tutti, followed by a forceful theme introduced by strings. The flute takes it in a cantabile manner, leading us to a crescendo that culminates in the dissonant tutti of the beginning. A series of menacing variations follow, gradually transforming the material. Chaotic whirlwinds of sounds are contrasted by melodic phrases of the wood. Great contrast is found as a lyrical passage appears. Blows of the bell lead us to a fateful slow coda.

The second movement opens with a melodic theme gradually introduced by strings, haunting in its expression. Dissonances begin to accumulate as the woodwinds appear with fast figures. A more peaceful second theme appears on clarinet, which grows until reaching a massive dissonant climax. The second theme is recapitulated, followed by the main theme darkly on strings. A haunting coda ends the movement.

The third movement begins with a rhythmic theme introduced by the wood, taken by the orchestra and developed in a colourful manner. Some melodic phrases appear but aren't fleshed out. The music follows this dynamic for a while, contrasting forte with piano passages. A lyrical, almost pastoral second theme appears on the wood, answered by menacing brass calls. The development based on the main theme continues before melodic phrases are contrasted by dissonant orchestral tuttis. A sombre coda ends the movement.

The fourth movement opens with an angular, rhythmic main theme, which grows in dissonant climaxes. A dissonant and heavily contrapuntal development ensues. A calmer section features wood dialogues before development continues. As in the previous movement, the music here also relies on piano-forte contrasts. A lyrical, if not fully peaceful, passage leads us to a forceful and dissonant coda.

Picture: "Still life with Skull" (1912) by the Czech painter Bohumil Kubišta.

Musical analysis written by myself. Source: https://bit.ly/3XG9GRo

Unfortunately the score is not available.

Видео Concerto for Orchestra - Viktor Kalabis канала Sergio Cánovas